cold engine noise

when i first start my gen 4 i hear what sounds to me (this is my only comparison) to be tappits making noise. sortov a well... tapping noise.

could this mean that the valves need adjusting? a bit over 40k miles.

the noise goes away after the engine is warm, or if i put in too much oil.

 

A few things come to mind. Topend oiling issue on start up. Valves require adjustment. Cam chain tensioner(s) are getting close to their service life.

 

how would i go about finding exactly what it is?

 

The only way to know about valve adjustment is to check the lash. It wouldn't be cam chain tensioners since (the cams being gear driven) yours doesn't have 'em. I kinda doubt if lack of oil to the top is it...but you could check oil psi, or make sure the oil pockets in the head are full of oil when you pull valve covers to check valve lash.

If it's just a ticking, it may be normal and you may never 'fix' it. A bit of clatter on the gear driven models isn't unusual. Have someone 'in the know' listen to it.

 

the cam chain thing was just me throwing things out there that can tick...not saying that was his problem.

I have also seen engines with relatively high mileage tick until the engine heats up and the oil viscosity changes so the pump can pump it easier. I have also seen where low oil pressure on startup can cause ticking until oil reaches the cam caps.

 

You do know thats a bad thing right?

 

Ticking noise at start up

My 1992 has been ticking at startup as well. I just checked the valve lash on the front 2 cyl. # 2 and 4 while changing plugs and fork oil. I also did a compression test while it was all apart.
The clearance was within spec. My conclusion is: it may be an exhaust leak causing my noise as yours. I am not going to worry about it.